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THIS PUBLICATION IS PRODUCED BY: MeadowLand Media, Inc. / 504 Guffey St. / Newport, AR 72112 870.503.1150 / eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com. PUBLISHER / ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MANAGING EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR / AD DESIGN: Joseph Thomas ADVERTISING: Kimberlee Thomas, Adrienne Freeman PROOFING DEPARTMENT: Joseph Thomas, Kimberlee Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kimberlee Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Robert O. Seat PRINTING COMPANY: Corning Publishing Company Eye On Magazine is a publication of MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. Editorial, advertising and general business information can be obtained by calling (870) 503-1150 or emailing Kimberlee Thomas at kthomas@eyeonmag.com. Mailing address: P. O. Box 196, Grubbs, AR 72431. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither MeadowLand Media or it any of its staff is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Copyright © 2010 MeadowLand Media, Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Publisher. All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, MeadowLand Media, Incorporated, is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof.
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In This Issue 6/ Editor’s Note Odd Times
9/ Trending @ ASUN
Response to COVID-19
10/ Cole’s Canine Corner
Corona + Pets = Very Happy Animals
12/ Seniors, Can We Talk? Financial Strategy
14/ Things To Do 15/ Unity Health Harris
Unity Health COVID-19 Resources
16/ Local Faces 17/ DownTown Guide
24/ Church Directory 27/ In The Field with Randy Business, Almost as Usual
29/ Tasty Talk
A Cry for Food
30/ Thyme Enough Freezer Burn
32/ Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Love, in the Time of Quarantine
33/ Cherri Design
Recycling in Our Area
34/ Cover Story
Deanna Long, White River EMS Inc.
Ants / Bed-Bugs / Fire Ants / Fleas Mice / Millipedes / Roaches / Spiders ...and more Eagle Pest Management, LLC Corporate Office 1775 Porter Street P.O. Box 3943 Batesville AR 72503-3943 (877) 313-2453
Additional Offices: Heber Springs Cherokee Village Providing service for the entire state of Arkansas for Commercial Work
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Editor’s Note
Odd Times
Joseph Thomas As I write this in early April, I know we are all thinking similar thoughts. When will this end? Will it all cycle again when we finally come together again? Will this become a common virus that we deal with every year, like a more dangerous flu? Will everything that has come to a halt snap back into place like we want it to? I wish I could say, Yes! I wish I could tell you how it will all be better than it ever was. The truth is nobody knows what changes we may need to cling to as we learn to evolve around such new threats. I do believe that everything will turn out just as it is suppose to, but that is the eternal optimist in me. The truth is all we can change, really control, is ourselves; how we react, how we respond. We can let fear drive us into the very holes we’re scared of, we can try to control the world around us and drive that world and ourselves crazy, or we can breathe deep and realize that we are okay. I know there is loss and we all know how horrible that feels, but we only have the life we have left to live to the best of our ability. There are shining examples of how to help our community, all over it. Hannah
Rogers talks about that very thing this month and if you need to feel like your are doing something about all of this, there is work to be done. Reach out to your Chamber of Commerce, your Mayor or your neighbor. Help where you can, but take care of yourself with as much passion and energy as you aid those around you. Whatever you do, however you react, please console yourself in the fact that we were never in control. All the great things that have happened to you before now, happened out of your control. You may have done the work and swam through yourself, but the river is wild and always will be. Stay safe, have fun and if you need help, please reach out. Sometimes you have to stop and let life flow around you while you catch your breath. Take care of yourself and those in your charge and we wish you all the best in these difficult times and after. Hannah Rogers extends A Cry for Food, Cherri Rodgers shares tips about our Local Recycling, Dr. Sandra Massey responds to COVID-19 and Kacey Burge Covers Deanna Long and her heart of service. Randy Chlapecka writes on Business, Almost as Usual, Sandra
and Nelson Barnett cook with freezer burnt chicken, Michelle Foshee tells us of Unity resources to fight COVID-19 and Caroline Beauchamp shares a Financial Strategy. Leigh and Cole Keller talk about their new normals, we have more pretty faces and links for possible events in the uncertain month ahead, so read on Dear Friend! Do you want to share your story of this difficult time, your experience with social distancing, your loss or struggle. Reach out and share with us on facebook or email me. You can find our usual drop list by clicking on the drop list tab at eyeonmag.com. While we are delivery during this shut down, I’ll post our drop list each month. If you are seeing our magazines in your area and have something to share, please email me at eyeonjoseph@ gmail.com. N
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We are honored to have been your community magazine for ten years this month. We hope we have served you well and look forward to the next ten years worth of local stories about your neighbors, friends and family! Our plan moving forward is to improve our online presence to find you where YOU are! 6 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
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A Message from the Chancellor in Response to COVID-19 Dr. Sandra Massey has been Chancellor of Arkansas State University-Newport since September, 2013. Previously serving in student affairs and academic leadership posts in Arkansas and Oklahoma, she and her husband Ward make Newport, Arkansas home. They have two children, Brittany and granddaughters Maggie and Ava of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Reese and granddaughter Maybelle Scout of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Massey enjoys running, lake activities and spending time with her granddaughters.
The effects of COVID-19 are being felt across our state, country and the world. Like many people and businesses, Arkansas State University-Newport has been navigating uncharted waters. First and foremost, I want everyone to know that ASUN’s administration is working tirelessly to protect our campus communities. The safety of our students, faculty, staff and community members is our top priority. That being said, while COVID-19 was unexpected and ASUN has never before had to address a pandemic, we were not unprepared. In 2013, ASUN was shut down for nearly two weeks as a result of winter weather. Consequently, ASUN established several new practices and procedures allowing instruction to continue online, thereby minimizing the disruption of campus closures. Further, ASUN extensively updated its Emergency Operations Plan in 2019. This process helped ASUN not only think through and outline how to address emergency events, but it sparked ASUN to develop additional practices and procedures that have helped to efficiently and effectively manage the current situation. In March, Governor Asa Hutchinson held several news conferences keeping our state up-to-date on the presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas and guidelines for mitigating the spread of the virus. While the cases were located outside of ASUN’s service areas, we made plans to address every contingency. Part of our plans included making sure classroom instruction and business processes could be moved to online or virtual platforms. ASUN also took immediate steps to protect the health of our employees and students on campus. Our institutional service assistants worked diligently to disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, desks, computers, chairs, and classroom equipment – placing extra focus on high traffic areas including bathrooms, breakrooms and classrooms. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers were distributed across the campuses. Posters containing health tips were placed across each location to provide further education on hand washing and other preventative measures. ASUN also created a dedicated space on its website to provide up-to-date information, resources, and contact information necessary for online business processes. ASUN.edu/coronavirus soon became one of the most frequently visited pages on our site.
ASUN also cancelled all events on campus, as large gatherings of people were discouraged. We continue, though, to look for ways to reschedule when operations return to normal. On March 16, ASUN moved all coursework online. Our faculty quickly adapted and began coming up with creative ways to reach students using a variety of methods. From filming dissections inside our science labs to recording real-time lectures, it didn’t take long for our classrooms to become fully virtual. At the same time, most members of staff were given the option to work from home. Though some staff continued to report to campus, social distancing measures were enacted. ASUN encouraged virtual meetings and implemented new policies with respect to food services. ASUN took action to decrease foot traffic on campus by encouraging students and potential students to utilize the website and communicate via telephone and email. The ASU System issued an Emergency Leave Policy providing additional protections for employees who become sick. The System also made changes to employee benefits by waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing. While it is likely that much will change before this articles reaches you, I am proud of the steps ASUN has taken thus far to protect our people. I can’t express enough how proud I am of the ASUN team. Our faculty, staff and students worked together to make sure no learning opportunities were lost. A pandemic is hard to prepare for, but when you have a team you can trust, it makes the unknown much easier to navigate. I want to thank our community members for their understanding during this time. It is only because of your support that we are able to adapt swiftly and with confidence to these unforeseen challenges. I greatly appreciate your patience as we work to keep our students, employees, and communities safe while proudly providing quality education to those looking to change their lives. We are well aware that the impacts of COVID-19 are far from over. And although it’s both inconvenient and disappointing to cancel events and keep students out of the classroom, I feel confident we have made the right decisions and are doing our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If any of the measures we have taken make a difference, it is genuinely worth it. N
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Cole’s Canine Corner
Corona + Pets = Very Happy Animals Cole is a student at Eagle Mnt. Elementary. He loves Math, Playing outside, laughing with friends and family, tortellini, and of course, dogs.
Before we went into isolation, we didn’t get to spend every day all day with our own pets. But now, life is different and they are LOVING IT! Our dogs love attention, so we decided to walk our dog, Lela, once a day, around the neighborhood. Lela loves these walks, because she gets to meet new dogs and bark for no reason. Then we get to take Rhino on daily car rides. He loves to stick his head out of the window, and feel the wind in his ears. Our cats are a totally different story. Stitch, our long haired shelter rescue, loves when my mom is on a google hangout, because he gets to show off his big fluffy tail. Poseidon, another shelter rescue, just loves to spend his day laying on my mom’s lap (or our fireplace for some reason) when he can. My animals have become very spoiled because of isolation. I think they secretly hope that it continues forever! N
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Seniors, Can We Talk?
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Caroline Beauchamp is a local insurance agent for M & P Insurance & Investment Services. She offers personalized life and health insurance solutions and is known for her widelypublished informational column, ‘Caroline, Can We Talk?’.
Even though Ruth and I missed going out to lunch, we had a “virtual” lunch. We have kept in touch by calling each other and emailing. Following the suggested social distancing guidelines does not mean we have to isolate ourselves. Too much “alone time” is not good and may cause some to get ”down”, moody or even depressed. For those with lots of spare time, some are staying busy finding quotes and funny stories to share. It’s always good to have something that puts a smile on your face. Here’s one of my favorites: No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. So true. Some of the emails I get are thought provoking while others are funny. One email today suggested that hair salons should be considered “essential”. Since my appointment to get my hair trimmed was last Friday, I see her point. My neighbor uses a color aid (“store bought color”) and has no desire to know what her “natural” color is. Her hairdresser met each customer 1 on 1 and gave them their coloring to apply themselves. This made my neighbor very happy and prevented her from getting depressed. If you have any concerns or questions about your Medicare supplement plan, prescription plan, your Medicare Advantage plan or your dental/vision plan, call the customer service phone number on the back of
your ID card. Trained customer service representatives are available and happy to provide accurate answers. Many people overlook the impact the right Medicare insurance can have on their sound financial planning. How do you know if you have the right plan? First, assess and review your needs and the financial impact of a health scare with the same care you would with any other product. Ask yourself “What do I want my health care to do for me?’ Do I want office visits with my doctors to be covered or do I mind changing doctors? Do I want drugs as cheaply as possible? Do I want dental care and vision care/glasses covered? Or, do I just want the lowest premium to pay every month? Sometimes you realize there’s more to ask, but this is all you really want to know. Most neglect the things that will impact their financial future and their health the most. What is the financial consequence, if I have a major health event? Where can I go to get treated? What are the treatment options for a major health event? There is no one product that is best for everyone - everyone is different. Consider a plan based on your comfort level with premiums, co-pays and access to care. Compare the costs and the benefits for today as well as years to come. Treat your Medicare health insurance like another part of your financial strategy. This will help you to have the protection you need when you need it the most. Please share your stories and emails. Call 501-8686650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?” N
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Independence County Library Offers Free WIFI The Independence County Library, located at 267 East Main Street in Batesville, is offering free WIFI to patrons while the library is closed to the public. The WIFI is accessible from Main Street, near the front entrance to the library, and also near the back entrance on Water Street. The library has expanded curbside service, to place a hold on materials call 870-793-8814, ext. 1, and pick up from 9 to 6, Monday - Thursday, and 9 to 5 Friday and Saturday. N
Also, ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Exam will be May 1 from 8am to 5pm at the Main Campus Bldg Room 217, cost is $149 and Deadline for registration is April 24 uaccb.coursestorm.com.
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Things To Do During this concerning time of quarantines and contagion fears, please check online or call to see if your choice of Things To Do is still proceeding or has been canceled.
HOME is where the
HEART IS.
Batesville Check these sites for Batesville local events info www.mybatesville.org www.facebook.com/BatesvilleChamber Project Support Batesville Area Join us in praying for our local nonprofit organizations, their ministries, awareness, support and those they serve. We will meet at the Independence Baptist Association building (548 N Central Avenue), May 15th at 5:30 pm. For more information, visit our facebook page or call The Kitchen Shop at 870-569-8181.
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Mountain View Arkansas Craft School Beginning in mid-March with public safety in mind, classes and programs were postponed or canceled at the Arkansas Craft School. This practice of no classes or programs will continue through the month of April and May. With June, we hope that the ACS is open, but public safety comes first. Even when we reopen, it will take time to have classes and programs up and running. What does the ACS being closed, and no classes mean? First, yes there are no classes to bring out the creative spirit in our students. That makes us sad because it is fantastic to experience the signs and sounds of classes and the delight in the creative process. Second, it also means a loss of revenue, temporary unemployment for artists and staff, and uncertainty for the future for many of our state’s arts organizations, like the ACS. This time has also given us an opportunity to make improvements around the building, so expect to see a new ACS once we’re open! In contacting the student to let them know that classes were being postponed, a student told us to keep the down payment on my class. The student noted that they would gladly pay the down payment again when the class was rescheduled. The student said, “With my contribution I want the ACS to know how much it is appreciated and supported.”
(870) 612-1212
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If you are able, please consider donating to an arts organization, like the ACS, and invest in the future of the arts in Arkansas. If you are not a member of the ACS family, join us. Already a member, you are greatly appreciated. Why not consider increasing your membership level or donating? Please check out the ACS website for membership information or join our email list for the latest schedules at www.arkansascraftschool. org. Now is the time to support your favorite arts and cultural organizations, like the Arkansas Craft School. Thank you for being part of our creative family. Questions can be directed to arkcraftschool@gmail.com.
Newport Check these sites for Newport local events info Newportarcity.org/chamber-of-commerce/ www.facebook.com/newportarchamber Foster Recruitment Team Meeting The Arkansas Department of Human Services invites everyone to come together to share ideas and resources to help recruit more foster parents. For more information call Brandy Jones (870) 217-1072 or email brandy.jones@dhs.arkansas.gov. If you don’t see your community represented here, please send us any upcoming event information and we will be happy to share with our other communities eyeonjoseph@gmail.com. N
14 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
Unity Health Harris
Unity Health COVID-19 Resources Michelle Foshee is a wife, mother, dog lover, and Newport native who promotes Unity Health Harris Medical Center to improve the quality of health and well-being for the communities we serve through compassionate care. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and prior to joining Unity Health, she worked in sales and marketing in Little Rock. She challenges herself and others to be Health Centered – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Unity Health is working hard in preparing for COVID-19 with a new COVID-19 unit, drive-thru screening and testing, a COVID-19 hotline and telemedicine services. Unity Health built a designated COVID-19 unit on the Specialty Care campus located on Main Street in Searcy to treat and care for COVID-19 patients. The unit is divided into three ‘pods,’ based on a patient’s severity. “The CDC recommendations for treating COVID-19 patients is to cohort the patients in negative pressure rooms, which means the air circulated in these rooms is from air outside and does not go to the general population in the hospital,” Dr. Roddy Lochala, Unity Health Chief Medical Officer said. The unit has two separate entrances, one for patients with severe symptoms and one for presumptive patients with less severe symptoms and awaiting test results. There is a designated staff for the unit and any confirmed COVID-19 cases will be transferred to Specialty Care campus to prevent spreading the virus. Unity Health collaborated with ARcare to provide a drive-thru screening across from the White County Medical Center ER entrance in Searcy. The drive-thru screening is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and follows all CDC and Arkansas Health Department guidelines for testing and screening. Unity Health also created a COVID-19 hotline, (501.380.2819), where callers can speak with a healthcare provider from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days
a week about symptoms and next steps, and offers telemedicine services 24/7 for those who may be experiencing symptoms or at risk for COVID-19. All resources can be found at www.unity-health.org and click the red COVID-19 Resources banner at the top of the screen. In addition, Unity Health Behavioral Health department has developed the Emotional Wellness hotline to assist our associates and community members who are dealing with fears, anxiety, and depression related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotline is staffed with therapists who want to help our community members who are having a difficult time from an emotional urgent care perspective. We understand the stresses this pandemic brings to ourselves and those around us. The Emotional Wellness hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., you can call 501-380-CARE (2273) to speak to a therapist today. Unity Health Harris Medical Center is pleased to announce that Patients can now schedule and conduct an immediate real time virtual visit with a Unity Health provider for minor illness, follow-up consultations, chronic care monitoring, and counseling from anywhere. To schedule a telemedicine appointment or for more information, contact any of our Unity Health Clinic’s in Newport. Unity Health wants everyone to know we are here to support our community with every capacity we can. N
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“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” — Henry Ford
We are here for you. Together we will succeed.
Registration is open for summer and fall classes. 870-612-2000 uaccb.edu
Local Faces
Things To Do When You are Self-Quarantined, or an essential worker, Jackson and Independence County Style! 16 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
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ASU-Newport Announces Options for Students Unable to Complete Their Semester Coursework Mallory Jordan Arkansas State University-Newport recognizes the hardships caused by COVID-19 along with many being impacted by the recent outbreak of severe weather in Northeast Arkansas. It is because of these difficulties, ASU-Newport is offering students a variety of ways to address the remainder of their spring semester coursework. ASUN’s Academic and Student Affairs offices want to ensure every student can succeed without putting their academic and financial standing in jeopardy. Two additional grading options will be available to students for the 2020 Spring and Flex 2 Semesters. Option 1: Incomplete-Crisis (IC) - Students who were in good standing at the time ASUN transitioned to remote learning on March 16, may submit a request for an IC which stands for Incomplete-Crisis. Students must have completed at least 50% of their coursework before requesting this grade. In doing so, the student will work one-on-one with their instructor to develop a timeline for completion of the course. The available
timeline will be extended to December 2, 2020. If a student has not completed the coursework by that time their grade will be transitioned to an “F” for the course. Option 2: Withdraw Crisis (WC) - Students who were in good standing at the time ASUN transitioned to remote learning on March 16, may submit a request for a WC which stands for Withdraw-Crisis. Students may choose this option if their learning was disrupted due to COVID-19 or tornado-related issues. Students should only request a WC in the event that they have discussed the IC option with their instructor and both have agreed that there is not a feasible way for the student to complete before December 2, 2020. The deadline to request these special directives, along with regular Incomplete or Withdraw statuses, is April 27, 2020. ASU-Newport appreciates your patience as we continue to navigate these unforeseeable circumstances while providing quality educational opportunities to our students. N
3210 Shade Tree Drive, Batesville MLS #19-693 / $165,000
1280 O’Neal Road, Batesville MLS #19-716 / $38,000 7.03 acres located approx. 11 miles from Batesville on a paved road with access to electricity, water at the road. Mostly open and level, perfect place to build a house or place a doublewide manufactured home. Small grove of pine trees is ideal place to camp, picnic, etc. Best of all this property is only 1.3 miles from AR Game and Fish boat launch on White River. If you like country peaceful living and like to fish, come take a look. Plenty of room for a horse or some cows. Deed restrictions include no single wide mobiles. Taxes are estimated. Current survey.
Up to $5,000 updating or closing cost allowance with acceptable offer on this large 3 bedroom brick home located close to school, and town. Newer flooring, huge master bedroom, large kitchen with lots of cabinets, built in desk, nice den with gas log fireplace and double garage with work space.
34 Tenkiller Lane, Cherokee Village MLS #19-676 / $64,900 2 Bedroom - 1 and 1/2 Bath Townhouse. Nice sized kitchen with a view into the large open living room with deck to enjoy the outdoors. Approximately 1,116 square feet of living space, central heat & air, new in 2018, new roof in 2019. Carport plus a parking pad. New flooring and many upgrades. Located not far from Town Center. This townhouse is great for retirement or would make a vacation get away or a great rental!
Buying? Selling? Relocating? The Choice is Clear...Coldwell Banker Choice Realty 870-793-7778 www.BatesvilleRealEstate.net 513 Batesville Blvd., Batesville, Arkansas
Each office independently owned and operated
18 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
Helping in the Midst of COVID-19 Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity in our community! There are still items needed so we can assure the families in need are taken care of. If you can help please contact one of us at the chamber (870) 793-2378 or drop off items at the back door! Thank you and have a wonderful weekend! Needed items: Size 2 Diapers Size 5 Diapers Size 6 Diapers Size 3t Pull Ups Diaper Rash Prevention Cream Baby Wipes Food Items:
Pop-Top Soups Easy Mac & Cheese Cereal Pop-top/peel top packed fruit Oatmeal Pop Tarts Pasta & Sauce Find more on Independence County Cares Facebook Page. N
Keep On Perserving Angela Connell First Community Bank’s Kenny Gerhardt, senior vice president of teller operations and treasurer of the Old Independence Regional Museum, presents a donation to Alan Bufford, president of the board of directors at the museum. Originally constructed by the WPA in 1936, the museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. It opened as a museum in 1998 and has since been restored. Its exhibits are interpretive and educational. Gerhardt said, “Since visitors at the museum are at a standstill amidst social distancing, First Community Bank believes that it is very important to keep funding the museum due to its temporary loss of income. The
museum is an important historical landmark that preserves artifacts and archival materials pertaining to the history of Independence County and the surrounding counties.” N
Credit Where Credit is Due During this Difficult Time Heber Springs Chamber has been showing recognition to their local heros, recently the sanitation workers at Waste Connections were in their focus. COVID-19 has many at home with extra time on their hands. As a result, there are more closets being organized, bathrooms being redone, and garages being emptied to the curb in black bags than ever before. Even with a reduction in commercial waste, Waste Connections is setting new volume disposal records every day at the landfills. The Waste Connections crews are out in the elements and among other people’s waste picking it up and not complaining at all. They are concerned about the virus but, not for themselves - rather, for their wives and children. So, while people are at home producing record amounts of trash, they are at work picking it up. Thank you to Waste Connections for your service and dedication to our community! http://www.wasteconnections.com.
Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
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May 2020
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Citizens Bank Speeds Customers Access to COVID-19 Emergency Loans Chuck Jones Citizens Bank has successfully assisted several hundred small business customers throughout the state of Arkansas navigate through the application process for the Paycheck Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The PPP program is a major component of the new federal CARES Act, also known as the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.” Early on, Citizens Bank recognized the potential for a severe economic downturn due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which has forced some businesses to close and lay off employees in numerous communities where the bank operates. An experienced Citizens Bank team quickly began formulating a plan to help customers withstand the looming crisis, and also put customers in a position to take full advantage of federal relief programs at the moment those programs were introduced. “Citizens Bank began planning for the implementation of a federal aid program in March, when the terrible financial effects of COVID-19 on businesses and families were becoming apparent,” said Phil Baldwin, Chief Executive Officer. “Citizens Bank designated a special team just for this program, and we also assigned specialists to assist customers in each of our markets across the state.” The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to serve as incentives for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. When U.S. banks recently received formal guidance on how businesses could apply for loans through the PPP program, Citizens Bank had become ready to help customers qualify for them and expedite the filing of the applications. “Over the April 4th weekend, Citizens Bank assembled a team – working day and night – to get PPP loan applications approved through the SBA,” said Adam Mitchell, President and Chief Lending Officer. “Our mission is simple. We always put people first!” Complementing the federal relief program is Citizens Bank’s “People First Financial Protection Program,” a comprehensive set of measures developed to help individuals, families and business customers reduce the negative financial burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance through the Citizens Bank People First Financial Protection Program addresses home loans, emergency cash loans, and personal loans, while charging no late fees on loans covered by the program.
“Citizens Bank truly appreciates the trust and confidence our customers have shown by working with us to receive assistance through the CARES Act and other programs from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department,” Baldwin said. “We encourage all customers to reach out to us with questions about how we might be able to help them through their specific financial problems during this difficult time.” To enroll in the program or get additional information, call (844) 350-8512; or email the bank at CARESAct@thecitizensbank.net; or visit the website www.thecitizensbank.net/Covid-19-Help. N
Citizens Bank’s Arkadelphia City President Lori Ross (left) presents a ceremonial PPP check to bank customer Vipul “Paul” Prajapati, who operates America’s Best Value Inn & Suites in Arkadelphia.
Citizens Bank Senior Vice President Josh Baker (left) discusses the PPP program with bank customer Jon Holcomb of The Toggery, a children’s boutique in Little Rock.
20 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
Suddenlink Extends Free Internet for K-12 and College Students Candace Kirkendoll via Shelly Hendrix
(870) 569-8192 OPen: Mon - Fri 7:00am to 5:00pm / saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm / Closed Sunday We offer great tasting protein shakes and energy teas. Come in for breakfast or lunch and use as a meal replacement.
In March, Altice USA began offering its Altice Advantage 30 Mbps broadband solution for free for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not currently have home internet access. Additionally, the Company has been partnering with school districts in the NY Tri-state area to offer the Student WiFi product at no cost for 60 days, a program that provides students who have
school-issued devices the ability to use the Optimum WiFi Hotspot Network to access their school’s network and resources from home if they do not have dedicated Internet access. To date, Altice USA has partnered with more than 100 school districts and connected more than 240,000 student devices to its hotspot network as part of this effort.
159 W Main Street - Batesville
In light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Altice USA announces that it is extending its free student broadband and WiFi offerings until the end of the 2019 - 2020 school year to help students and schools stay connected to online teaching and learning.
As states and municipalities around the country announce permanent school closures for the rest of the school year, the Company has decided to extend these solutions until June 30, 2020, to ensure students have reliable access to high-speed broadband connectivity to learn during this unprecedented time. N
Hampton Inn to Provide Free Hotel Rooms to Frontline Healthcare Professionals Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Hilton and American Express will make rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from their families through the end of May.
Technicians Society of Critical Care Medicine Society of Emergency Medicine Assistants Society of Hospital Medicine
Hilton is initially working with 10 associations who collectively represent more than 1 million healthcare workers to provide access to the program, designed to support individuals who would otherwise have to spend their own money on accommodations. “The ownership team and myself are honored to extend this offering of rooms to help support our medical community during this difficult time. “ April Strain Polston- General Manager
For more information please contact the Hampton Inn at 870-569-1560 or visit www.hilton. com. N
Physician
The following organizations will provide their networks with further details about booking rooms through this program, which is currently planned to cover stays through May 31. American Association of Critical Care Nurses American College of Emergency Physicians American Hospital Association American Nurses Association Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association Emergency Nurses Association National Association of Emergency Medical eyeonmag.com
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May 2020
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Batesville Elite Swimming Torpedoes Al Aleman I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know how pleased I am with the progress our team made this season. I think you should be very proud of how hard our swimmers have been working. I’m just proud of how the team came together, caring and supporting each other through the season and setting a lot of new school records and a new state record on the boys 200 Freestyle Relay, that means a lot to the program, to the boys and girls, to the coaching staff and the city, in general. It’s pretty special. We got to make it to the top of the podium on the boys side,
and finished 3rd on the girls side which is also a first for our school. It’s fun to see the hard work pay off.” This team was truly special. The 2019-2020 pioneers swim team will not just be remembered for winning the first boys & girls Conference Championships, or by winning the first State Championship title on the boys side or by finishing 3rd at State on the girls side. This team will be remembered for the outstanding work ethic of our young men and women, that worked very hard for their goals, their community and to provide a sense of pride to our school and the city of Batesville. Good Job Team! N
22 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
A Sight of Progress and Compassion! Angela Connell Flynco, Inc. continues progress on First Community Bank’s Batesville operations center with steel being unloaded just recently. Site Superintendent, Mark Counts, says “We’re progressing with the foundation this week, and weather permitting, we’ll have all of the foundation work done by mid-April. I’m certainly excited to watch the first piece of steel going up today.” The three-story operations center will be approximately 28,809 sq. ft. and will be connected to the main bank by a sky bridge over 14th Street. Upon completion, the complex will provide space for 125 employees. N
Angela Connell, Marketing Coordinator at First Community Bank shared this photo of First Community Banks’ Justin Taylor wheeling frozen turkeys out for curbside delivery as a donation to several local non-profit organizations including Family Violence Prevention, Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches and Batesville Help and Hope.
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May 2020
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KBAP 88.1 FM KEEP BELIEVING AND PRAYING The Best of Modern Praise and Worship Independence Counties very own local, contemporary worship station
World Wide Live Internet Stream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/kbap-88-1-fm Phone: 501-203-6953
Church Directory Batesville First Church of the Nazarene
1611 Harrison Street, Batesville, AR 72501 870-698-1994 / Pastor John Wright Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Sunday Evening 6:00 pm
Batesville First Assembly of God
1949 Lyon St, Batesville, AR 72501 870-793-5489 / www.batesvillefirst.org Sunday 10:30 am services, 9:30 am & 6:00 pm small groups Wednesday: children & youth activities, adult class 7:00 pm
Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville
9 am & 10:45 am Sundays at The Landers 332 E. Main Street, downtown Batesville Office: 276 E. Main, 870-698-9244 www.fellowshipbatesville.com Facebook & Instagram: @fellowshipbatesville
First Baptist Church Batesville
610 E. Main St, Batesville, AR 870-793-9859 Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Prayer/Children Activities 6:00 pm Thursday Night, The Gathering 7:00 pm www.fbcbatesville.org
Quail Valley Freewill Baptist
4000 East Harrison St, Batesville 870-698-1622 / Pastor Robert Jones Sunday School 10:00 Sunday Service 11:00 A.M. & 6:00 P.M. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:00 P.M. You can find us on Facebook!
Sulphur Rock Baptist Church
470 N. Vaughn St, Sulphur Rock, AR 72579 870-799-8641 Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Morning Praise & Worship 10:55 am Sunday Evening Bible Study 5:00 pm Sunday Evening Praise & Worship 6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Service 6:30 pm Walking the Walk, Talking the Talk – Matthew 28:19-20
The Church of God
1850 Bethesda Rd, Batesville, AR 72501 Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Contact: Pastor Rob Montgomery 330-285-0681 rob_montgomery@outlook.com https://www.facebook.com/tcogBatesville/
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
482 East Main St, Batesville, Arkansas Sunday Services: 8:00 am & 10:30 am Morning Prayer: M-F @ 8:30 in the Chapel Wednesday Evening: 5:30 pm in the Chapel www.stpaulsbatesville.org stpaulsbatesville@gmail.com
24 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
Kennadi’s Birthday Parade Stacy Pretty Anyone who knows Kennadi knows she plans her birthday themes months in advance. When this horrible virus hit we had to think quick of ways to alter her birthday and still make it special. A local officers wife (April McGilton) tagged me in a post she saw on Facebook about a birthday parade and we agreed that Kennadi would love it! Then others started tagging me in the same video and I decided to make it happen. I contacted the Sheriff to make sure it would be ok and once he gave me the green light to do it I announced it and we had a lot of positive response to it! I don’t have an exact number but I would say around 40-50 individuals were in the parade led by Sheriff Shawn Stephens himself followed by Officers Aaron Moody, Adam McGilton, Dustin Robbins just to name a few! Batesville Fire Chief Brent Gleghorn and his family also came and brought Batesville’s
BIGGEST fire engine! Several friends and neighbors joined in with their cars decorated with signs of sweet birthday wishes! All of the the cars involved lined up at Eagle Mountain Shopping Center around 6pm for take off around 6:30, I was told traffic stopped and let them all pass through and some were videoing it as they passed by! It was an awesome sight to see. Kennadi loves to plan for celebrations but because she’s Autistic she cannot handle all of the hustle and bustle of the actual events. So parties are usually kept pretty small. This parade was perfect. The officers and firemen as well as our friends and neighbors basically held a silent parade for her with no horns or sirens! It was perfect in every way. Words are not enough to express our appreciation to our community for coming out and celebrating our girl! What an amazing seventeenth birthday she had! We will remember this for a very long time! N
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May 2020
25
Independence County Recycle Center
UACCB’s Wins Gold for FacebookPage Hannah Keller Flanery The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville won the gold Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations in the Facebook social media category. Winners were announced March 31 online via a Facebook watch party.
We Recycle:
Plastic Bottles Steel Cans Aluminum Cans Cardboard Newspaper Glass Magazines
870 793 8892 110 Environmental Drive Batesville, AR Call to receive your FREE RECYCLING BIN today!
NCMPR’s Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communication at community and technical colleges. It’s the only national competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marketing and PR professionals at two-year colleges. This year’s competition drew 1,963 entries from 261 colleges across the country. Nearly 90 marketing and PR professionals from around the country served as judges. Social media categories were judged in real-time. Judges’ comments commended UACCB’s Facebook page on overall engagement with the audience and the use of video. N
WWW.KENTSFIRESTONE.COM 1316 E. Main, “at ST. Louis and Main”
26 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
In The Field with Randy
Business, Almost as Usual
Randy Chlapecka is an agronomist with Farmers Supply Association. He is retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension Service where he served as a County Extension Agent for over 32 years. He is an avid ASU Red Wolves fan and has announced Newport Greyhound sporting events since 1996. He also enjoys vegetable gardening.
A lot has happened since I wrote my April article. Two tornado events have occurred in the Farmers Supply Association footprint, one on March 28th and one on April 8th. Fortunately there were no fatalities or major injuries with these storms. There was, however, damage to some farm structures, equipment, and houses. Hopefully, everyone who suffered damage will be able to rebuild and return to some form of normalcy soon. The other major story affecting us all has obviously been the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us have never seen anything affect our lives as much as this has and is. While some businesses and industries have been impacted dramatically and some even shut down, agriculture goes on. It is obviously an essential industry with everyone having to eat. One of the things we have noticed is a lack of in-person contact with some of the companies and businesses that we regularly work with. Some of the chemical, seed, and fertilizer dealers are under mandatory work from home orders. It really
hasn’t affected us much up to this point. We are still able to do business over the phone, but at some point during the growing season we may need them to make field visits so it could affect us a little more at that point. Even though it is business as usual to an extent at Farmers Supply Association, hopefully all of our employees and farmer/member/customer/owners will be doing what they reasonably can to prevent problems from COVID-19. The recommendations are really no different for those in agriculture as other businesses, with the only difference really being the environment. Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently. Try to keep all of those frequently touched surfaces cleaned and sanitized. Try to maintain physical distancing if at all possible. I read an article on what one farm was doing and the farmer said that he preferred the term physical distancing rather than social distancing, and I like that too. We’re still socializing, just from a little further physical distance. This is generally a little easier for farm employees than some other businesses, especially when they are in the field. I want to close with just a brief update on planting progress as I compose this article on April 16th. Wet weather has been an issue again this spring, although we are a little ahead of last year at this time with a decent amount of rice, corn, and even soybeans planted. For more information, feel free to contact me through Farmers Supply Association by cell at 870-318-0739, my e-mail is randychlapecka@gmail.com. N
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May 2020
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Welcome to BAD BOY COUNTRY
28 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
Tasty Talk
A Cry for Food
Hannah Rogers recently returned home after serving 5 years in the U.S. Coast Guard as a cook. She enjoys time with her dog, baking, hiking, and serving others. Hannah is currently in the process of establishing Hananel Bakery in Batesville.
At the start of March, I remember watching footage of empty airports and seeing news reports on different industries coming to a halt. Tears filled my eyes, as I watched my country stop operating like normal. What I was watching was not just something my eyes saw. My heart also saw the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus concern. As I drive through town going to work, I cannot help but notice the empty parking lots, quietness, and somber atmosphere. Yesterday, I stood in an empty parking lot, looking at the surrounding businesses. As I pondered how we could fix this, my heart saddened by the realization that no one person can fix our economy. Something that I have continually heard is that “it takes all of us working together� to solve any problem. This is very true. We all must work together to get our country back to its normal economic state. A friend recently asked on Facebook what I will do differently after the pandemic ends. Many people commented that they will be more involved in their community. Well, there is no better time than now. No one should ever wait to be community oriented. One of the best things to do is help
supply our communities with food. Non-profit organizations are begging people for food. Our country may not be in the type of economic situation that would warrant this desperate need for food, but the repercussions of the coronavirus is being felt by every single person. The unemployment rate is soaring, schools are closed, and those who struggled before truly are now. Even I find myself in a situation I have never been in before. There are Blessings Boxes set up across the state that often stay empty. Non-profit organizations, like Help and Hope and local soup kitchens, are in desperate need. Manufacturers are sending their food supply to grocery stores, so these organizations are not receiving donations. Restaurants and churches are offering free meals to families. Retail stores are taking donations for the elderly and children. People are forced to rely on individuals to help feed their families. A year and a half ago, I wrote about getting involved with a soup kitchen. Now, there is a much greater plea for help. Share your food supply with your elderly neighbors, the family with several children, or individuals who are laid off. There is no need to hoard, as our country has plenty of food delivered daily to grocery stores. Buy a few extra items at the grocery store to put in a Blessings Box. Drop off donations at places that are trying to help those with the most critical need. Make financial donations to those who are providing free meals. You can do these things during your self-quarantine without encountering anyone. So, I ask you to get outside your world, stop saying you are going to get involved, and go do something for your community. This ultimately helps our entire country. N
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May 2020
29
Thyme Enough
Freezer Burn
Nelson and Sandy Barnett met in college. They have been happily married for 58 years and are still having fun cooking and living! Find Sandy’s newly published thriller Dead in the Shadow of Doubt on Amazon. com.
It starts with guilt. The freezer. I remember food rationing from the long ago, WWII. I was a mere-child, but I do remember my grandmother receiving monthly sugar rations and using it all up in one day making desserts. Cakes and pies galore. Mama may have voiced concern—we were living with Granny during the war while daddy was serving in the army— and, let me just say Mama was not herself in those days. She wrote Daddy a letter every night and cried until he was safely home which could account for her unclear judgment. But I stray, back to sugar, Mama was more verklempt about tires and shoes than running out of sugar. Tires and cars were of lesser importance when one is six, and Freezers were a mere block of ice kept in an ice box. Not being from a farm family, not growing up with a vegetable garden, or cows, or chickens and eggs, rather growing up in Conway on a street with neighbors near enough to borrow a cup of sugar from, if need be, my mother only had a Freezer, not a Deep Freeze. Our freezer was a rather small rectangle by today’s standards, in the upper part of her refrigerator. In this modest freezing compartment Mama kept ice cream. No more than two gallons at a time, Yarnell’s, usually vanilla and occasionally coffee. We would treat ourselves with a big bowl most nights between supper and bed time in front of the television with chocolate syrup (the chocolate was on the ice cream not on the TV). So, maintenance meant that once or twice a year as an ice berg bloomed in it, Mama defrost her freezer. Nothing ever ruined, or got lost in Mama’s freezer. As a wife, and marrying Nelson who grew up with cows in their freezer, I took the term deep-freeze literally and seriously. The only Deep-Freeze Nelson and I ever had was one we inherited and put in our basement for our portion of the family cow. One year when we were on vacation and our brother Jim had been assigned to watch over our house the Deep Freeze motor went out, and all the frozen cow and other assorted foods melted setting up a terrible stink. Brother Jim always enjoyed reminding us that we owed him a big favor. Bless him. He never called in his chips. This was the first freezer guilt. The rest of them were not so sensational, the others were mostly vague thoughts like “Do you suppose, Sandy, that you have something in the freezer you could cook tonight rather than that nice new beef roast you bought yesterday?” But therein lies the rub. The something was frozen as hard as a rock, and supper
really needed to be on the table in an hour. So here we are, in the middle of this pandemonium, being advised to stay home, and a few rude people feeling the need to hoard, and grocery stores struggling to keep up supplies, so I turn to our freezers, modest rectangles that they are, two of them for help. Freezer-Burn Chicken Entrees 1- huge bag of freezer-burned chicken breasts or thighs. (They must have been on sale at some time in my past) defrosted and boiled. These should be boiled in enough water with enough salt and any vegetable tops like drooping celery leaves, dreary herbs usually found in the back of your frig, and yellow onions beginning to sprout green things in hopes of enhance the water and turning it into a tasty broth for soup) Divided Use! (Yep! You’ll probably have more breasts than you’ll need for any one recipe.) So, make a stab at how much you’ll want for the following. Depending on the severity of the burn use remainder soon, or discard. Freezer-Burned Chick and Rice Casserole (This is a good one for a church social, just don’t put it in one of your recognizable casserole dishes.) 2 Cups, say, of cooked chicken breasts (of course fresh is best) cut into bite-sized pieces. 1 cup raw white rice 2 1/4 cups whole milk 10 3/4 ounces cream of chicken (can of) 1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli florets (thawed) 1 3/4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) 1 Ritz Crackers (sleeve, crushed) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients except the Ritz crackers, together until well-incorporated. Pour the ingredients into a 9x13 greased casserole dish, spread into an even layer, Sprinkle Ritz crackers on top of the mixture. Bake mixture, uncovered until rice is done. 30 minutes or so. To get a deeper, golden color, you may put the casserole under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch it! To Burn it with heat as well as ice would be excessive. Serve immediately. Or not. N
30 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
PEOPLE FIRST FINANCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM TO ENROLL www.thecitizensbank.net/COVID-19-Help (844) 350-8512
EMERGENCY CASH LOANS We will provide emergency cash loans up to $1,000 to Citizens Bank customers who have lost their jobs, been laid-off or are experiencing another form of income interruption.
HOME LOANS Citizens Bank will provide payment deferrals up to 90 days and will waive late charge fees on mortgage loans during the term and enrollment of the People First Financial Protection Program. Citizens Bank promises your family’s home is protected. We will not foreclose on your home loan if you are enrolled in the People First Financial Protection Program during the term of this Program.
PERSONAL LOANS If you currently have a personal loan at Citizens Bank and have enrolled in the People First Financial Protection Program, we will defer your loan payment up to 90 days. We will not repossess your car during the term of the People First Financial Protection Program.
SMALL BUSINESS LOANS Our loan officers will work with you to customize loan payments to what your business needs and can provide a wide range of payment options, including payment deferrals for up to one year, interest only payments and variable payment timing. We will waive late charge fees on small business loans during the term of the People First Financial Protection Program.
BANK FEES WAIVED Citizens Bank will provide penalty-free withdrawals from Certificates of Deposits and will waive other deposit account fees based on your needs. Your cash on deposit with us is yours and is available to you anytime you need it without any fees or penalties.
Described above, the People First Financial Protection Program is available to Citizens Bank customers for the term of the COVID-19 crisis or through June 30, 2020, whichever comes first. The terms of the People First Financial Protection Program are subject to certain eligibility requirements, your specific circumstances and are subject to change without notice.
Tales of a Transplanted Fashionista Love, in the Time of Quarantine
Leigh Keller is a high school guidance counselor at Batesville High School and the director of the BHS Glass Slipper Project. She lives in Batesville with her son, Cole, and a pack of dogs.
My mom has been watching the national news for months, so we knew the panic was coming. She would relay to me every day about this country or that country who had forced their citizens to stay inside their homes, and I couldn’t quite wrap my head around what that would look like for me and Cole (and my mom). It all seemed so far away, and something that simply couldn’t affect us here, but I was completely wrong. Then on March 16th it came. Our governor announced that school will be completed for the next week via AMI work, and we buckled in for what we thought would be a few days home, a spring break, and then return back to school. The prospect of staying home for a couple of weeks, given our weekly schedule of school activities, kids’ sports and crazy spring work obligations, didn’t sound too bad, at first. My routine trips to the grocery store, which are usually dotted by a couple of grocery pickups, and a trip to Sam’s per month for filler items (and sample day, because HOLLA, who doesn’t love Sam’s sample day?) all of a sudden turned into carefully crafted trips for our groceries and my mom’s, where nobody was making eye contact with other shoppers, smiling, or even saying hello or good morning. People stopped being polite (which for some of them wasn’t a stretch, sorry to say), and got into arguments over that last package of toilet paper, those clorox wipes, and that package of Tylenol. Social media, while never the place before where people could simply disagree with someone respectfully, was all of a sudden a landmine of controversy. I hit the unfollow button and scrolled on past, knowing that every person I know was feeling the stress of our weird new lives, and tried to extend lots more grace than usual. Now, a month and a few days later, we have adjusted to our new life. Doing my own job from home has proved difficult, because I crave face to face conversation with my students. So much can get lost in translation via text and email, so we have all learned how to have google hangouts for faculty meetings, meetings with students, and sessions brainstorming with other counselors on how to reach those kids who may not have a way to contact us. I have eaten way too many calories, watched way too much TV, and spent too much time on my phone. Our new normal (for the time being) has shifted into something kind of beautiful, with more hours spent outside playing, Cole learning how to cook, growing
our garden, and lots of reading time in our hammocks in the yard. He misses his teachers and friends so very much, but those wonderful men and women check in with all of their students twice a week on hangout calls (quite the feat if you have ever eavesdropped on a 4th grade classroom that is now totally online). Although the shift hasn’t been easy, I like to think that Cole and I are survivors, that we are wildly capable of doing hard things, of staying home when we would rather be out, of protecting the most important people in our lives by limiting our own contact with germs, so that we don’t spread them. I wish that I had answers to so many of the big important questions people ask me about events that always happen in the spring, like spring soccer, graduation, prom, and just life in general, but wait and see is the answer for so much of what we normally do (that we actually love to do). So we will do our part, doing grocery pick up when we can get a slot, walking our dogs, playing outside, and biding our time until the beauty salons and barbershops open back up, so we can look a little more put together. I was put off this week by two men who had some harsh words to say for me wearing a fabric mask in Walmart, they had commentary about how they don’t do a thing. But honestly, I think of them as being more about protecting other people. I would hate to spread any germs that I might have to someone taking chemo with a compromised immune system, to some of our precious retired neighbors we see while we walk our dogs, or most especially to my mom. The time we are living in is truly more about being selfless, instead of selfish, about checking on our neighbors and kids we know may not be getting the love they get from us every day at school, and about showing people we care about them, in a time when they may feel like no one at all does. Be strong, moms and dads trying to balance work and helping your kids with school, because while I have been to college a couple of times, I still wasn’t aware that you aren’t supposed to space after a period two times anymore, a subject of much argument in my home now. I don’t have any street cred with 4th grade Math or Science either, but he seems to be handling it all in stride, just like our pets, who are living their best lives ever (I think they are hoping this all goes on forever, and they get to keep us at home indefinitely with all of the walks, treats and extra attention). N
32 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
Kallsnick, Inc. A Hiland Dairy Distributor 423 Lawrence Street, Batesville, AR (870) 793-3924
Serving Batesville and the surrounding area for over 48 years Dairy Products, Deli Meat, Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce Paper Products, Concession Items . . .and More Walk-Ins Always Welcome Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5 and Sat. 8- 1
Family owned and operated Scott Kallsnick , Vickie Kallsnick Moser, Joan Kallsnick The Pretty Ladies
Cherri Design
Recycling in Our Area
Cherri Rodgers has a B.S. In Interior Design from UCA. She is active in several local ministries & community projects. Most of all, she values time with her family and grandson. Cherri's Interior Design is available for both residential & commercial design or decorating needs. Cherri owns The Kitchen Shop at 2485 Harrison St. for all your kitchen needs.
and put the metal lid into the can. The labels do not have to be removed. Paper – Loosely bag, tie or rubber band paper. Be sure to put paper in a plastic bag to keep the paper dry on rainy days, as wet paper cannot be sold. Newspapers, magazines, catalogs In our area, recycling is made easy for us. White River and junk mail can be recycled. Also, school paper, office paper Regional Solid Waste Management District is our area’s and shredded paper are recyclable. regional government authority serving a ten county district. Electronics – Electronics must be dropped off at the Recently I spoke with Sarah Sexton, the recycling coordinator, recycling center, located at 110 Environmental Drive in and she was very helpful with understanding recycling in our Batesville. For assistance unloading, drive to the back of the area. What can be recycled in our area is largely determined building and ask in the office. by what we are able to sell, so be aware that what we may think Plastic bags – Plastic bags, like grocery bags, cannot be is recyclable may not be recyclable here in our location. Our recycled. Kroger and Wal-Mart have bins where bags can be left recycled products are sorted through by the workers, and a for recycling. There may be other stores, but I know these two large amount of what we recycle is actually trash. Please be both have bins. respectable of our county workers and only recycle what is There are several items that cannot be recycled in our area, listed below. This saves both time and money. so please do not put these in your bins to save time and money. Cardboard – Only recycle corrugated boxes and take-out These items include styrofoam, butter bowls, cool whip bowls, pizza boxes. Paper bags/sacks can also be recycled. Be sure to lids, fast food containers, beverage cartons and mixed material flatten boxes, as this makes pick up easier for the workers, and pet food cans. Window panes, plate glass, plates and ceramics saves space in the trailer. also cannot be recycled Glass – Recycle beverage, food bottles and jars. Lids are not If you need a recycling bin, please call Independence recyclable though, so remove them. Wash the glass, so there Recycling Center at 870-793-8892 (their phone number is is no residue. This prevents molds from growing, and most also in their ad in Eye On Magazine each month). Bins are importantly for our workers, it keeps bees, wasps and other free, so there’s no reason not to recycle. Just put bin out with creatures from swarming and possibly stinging our workers. your trash each week. If you live in an area that the county no Please put all glass in a plastic bag, such as a grocery store bag, longer services, such as where I live, there are trailers located and tie securely, so there is less potential harm to our workers throughout our area for convenience. Call the center to find if glass breaks. I put several bags together, as this provides a bit out where these trailers are located or drop off at the center. more safety. Recycling is a business, as we sell our ‘trash’ and make money, Plastic Bottles – Just as above, lids are not recyclable. so please support recycling in our area! Next month, we will Again, wash the bottle, so no sweet stuff attracts insects. discuss what happens to the items we recycle. N Aluminum and tin cans only can be recycled. Clean the can eyeonmag.com
eyeonjoseph@eyeonmag.com
May 2020
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Kacey Burge graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and later received her Master of Art degree in Professional Writing from Chatham University. She has had a successful writing and editing career as both an on-staff writer, as well as on a freelance basis for almost a decade. She has written dozens of features for a Southwest Florida Lifestyles publication, as well as a wide array of content for the web. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Kacey is a health and fitness enthusiast, yoga aficionado and animal lover.
Cover Story
Deanna Long, White River EMS Inc. Setting the Stage for the Strong Female Author of 5 New York Times bestsellers, research professor, and mother of 2, Brene Brown, said, “We have to be the women we want our daughters to be.” It’s a powerful statement and I think one that impacts single mothers a bit differently, and perhaps even more profoundly. Brown goes on to talk about the importance of being an example of strength and self-acceptance because our daughters are always watching, even when we don’t realize it. One woman who can understand this on a very close and personal level is Deanna Long. Raised by a single mother, Long knows the importance of a strong female role model and considers herself fortunate to have had such an example amidst a childhood that came with its own set of struggles. She credits her mother for instilling in her the character, worth ethic and value of education that played a major role in her being where she is today. This month we would like to place the spotlight on Deanna Long, detailing her journey from what could be considered a nomadic childhood to putting down roots that eventually led to becoming the President of White River EMS, Inc.
Support Our Advertisers ASU Newport-------------------------------- 7 Attention Medical Supply------------------- 11 Bad Boy Mowers---------------------------- 28 Baker Family Dentistry--------------------- 3 Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce---- 23 Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park-- 5 Batesville Spine & Health Solutions-------- 11 Citizens Bank-------------------------------- 31 Coldwell Banker Choice Realty------------- 18 CustomEyes Vision Care of Newport------- 29 Delta Medical-------------------------------- 28 DownTown Guide--------------------------- 17 Eagle Pest----------------------------------- 5 Elizabeth’s Restaurant---------------------- 17 El Palenque Mexican Restaurant----------- 8 First Community Bank---------------------- 2 Furniture Plus------------------------------- 7 Greenway Equipment, Inc------------------ 8 GTS Physical Therapy----------------------- 3 Imaginations Events------------------------ 15 Independence County Library-------------- 17 Independence County Recycling Center--- 26 Kallsnick, Inc.------------------------------- 33 KBAP 88.1 FM------------------------------- 24 Kent’s Firestone----------------------------- 26 Main Street Closing and Title--------------- 11 Main Street Nutrition----------------------- 21 Melba Theater------------------------------- 3 Merchants and Planters Bank-------------- 13 M & P Insurance and Investment Services-13 NADT Dance Academy---------------------- 4 Red Tie Meat Shop-------------------------- 4 River City Print & Office-------------------- 10 Robert O. Seat Photography--------------- 27 Southern Bank------------------------------ 14 Studio Salon-------------------------------- 17 Thompson’s Jewelry------------------------ 17 UACCB--------------------------------------- 16 Unity Health Harris CommUnity----------- 39 White River Health Systems---------------- 40 White River Health Systems---------------- 10 Woodcrest Assisted Living------------------ 13
A Different Perspective Long was born in Castro Valley, California and moved to Arkansas with her mother and 3 siblings in the early 1970s, eventually settling in Newport, Arkansas in 1975. Her early childhood came with some challenges as her family relocated a lot as her mother searched for work to support them. “Being raised by a single parent meant moving a lot, which meant entering and exiting new schools often,” Long explains, “But I always tried to be courageous for my family.” She decided to start viewing all the relocating as an adventure, allowing her to travel and meet lots of new people and make lots of new friends along the way. Above all else though, her childhood was knit together with love. “No matter the situation or location, I always knew I was loved. Looking back on my early years, I wouldn’t change the hand we were dealt or the paths that I chose.” And that background is what set the stage for Long to become the successful, independent woman she is today. The Love of Learning Came First Newport, Arkansas is where the family ultimately put down their roots and this northeast Arkansas town became home. “I am fortunate to say that I have lived in Newport for 45 years,” Long says proudly. And she holds the town near and dear mostly because of the Newport School District, where she found solace- a place where she was able to make friends and discover her true love of learning that her mother had worked to instill in her as a young girl. “What I enjoyed most about attending Newport Schools was the love and care the entire faculty gave to their students.” While Long’s teachers at school played an essential role in facilitating, cultivating and nurturing her love of learning, Long credits her mother as her first and most important influence. “My mother’s kind heart and strength are immeasurable and incomparable,” she shares. “While we moved around a lot as kids, we were only relocating to areas where she was able to find employment. She refused to be without work, and she refused to give up on her children.” Long is grateful that she learned the importance of responsibility and putting your best foot forward, regardless of what others may think. And in their household, her mom made sure that education came first and foremost. The Desire and the Tenacity Due to the frequent relocation of the family, Long attended several different elementary schools- one in California and 4 subsequent schools in Arkansas, including Jacksonville, Judsonia, Bald Knob, and ultimately Newport, where she started as a fifthgrader. She was a model student- maintained an A/B average, never got into trouble, enjoyed participating in local spelling bees and was also a JROTC member who competed for the JROTC Drill Team. She worked diligently to earn her GED before she would have originally graduated high school and went straight to
White River Vocational Technical School (now ASUN), to earn her certification in Data Processing. While she was attending WRVT School, she met educator Mrs. Janna Kegley Ellis who would become one of her first mentors in her professional career. As a single mother to her first child, Long struggled to maintain a balance between parenthood, work and school. She was often overwhelmed but thankfully had a great encourager in Ellis who believed in her and her ability to do great things amidst her current challenges. “She reminded me that I could do anything I put my mind to,” Long recalls. “She challenged me to never give up, strive for success, and plan for my future.” The power of Ellis’s support was seen when Long decided to run, and ultimately win, PBL State representative. The pair are still dear friends to this day. The Calling and the Climb With her Data Processing certification in her arsenal, Long gained employment with the City of Newport, working as a secretary for the Newport Fire/Ambulance Department, where she was primarily responsible for performing basic administrative tasks and billing for the ambulance department. But this paperwork-clad position opened her eyes to the potential for a more meaningful connection with the people she was serving from her place in the office. “You make a lot of personal connections with people when you are providing ambulance services to them. Even from a billing standpoint, I was required to obtain a lot of personal information, which then puts you on a deeper personal level with them,” Long explains. “I would always wonder what the outcome was with the patient after we transported them to their destinations.” Because of this, Long began to feel like she wanted to do more for the patients in her community, ensuring that they were rendered the best medical care with the most thorough follow-up. “In today’s world, everyone is just a number,” she says. “And I wanted to change that.” After gaining years of valuable insight into the medical service field and learning through all of her experiences, Long moved on as a part-time secretary and biller to White River Ambulance Service, a private ambulance company dedicated to patient care and transport, opened by Dewayne Kirker. This job was a particularly important stepping stone in Long’s career as it allowed her to obtain additional training in education in regards to billing, inventory, supply ordering and payroll, among many other things. She was hired as the full-time manager after five dedicated years of service. At the time she took on this role, her mentor was then-CEO for Vital Link in Batesville, Myra Wood. “She knew every aspect of running an EMS business, but more importantly she cared about her employees, the patients, and her community,” Long says. “There are not a lot of women in executive EMS positions and this made her my prime role model for my future in EMS.” And what a personal future she would go on to have!
36 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
The Opportunity and the Culmination After about a decade of putting her heart and soul into her work, her employees, and her patients, the opportunity presented itself for Long to purchase White River Ambulance and continue caring for the community. The service was then transformed into White River EMS Inc. “The name changed but the services we offer, the duties to our employees, and our motto “Let our family care for your family” never changed,” Long assures. During her transition from manager to owner, Long credits Jamie Pafford-Gresham as being a significant presence in her journey. Pafford-Gresham is the CEO of Pafford Medical Services, one of the largest ambulance services in the state, serving residents of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi. She has been in the ambulance industry for several years. “She truly cares about the communities she serves. She always offers any assistance or help to anyone in the EMS business and I consider Jamie a true friend and a successful businesswoman,” Long shares. As the owner and president of the company, Long became responsible for ensuring all the rules and regulations were followed by the Arkansas Department of Health, keeping protocols in place and updated, participating in drills, educational seminars, and Trauma Trac meetings, attending Arkansas Ambulance Association meetings and billing conferences. Also, she does employee orientations, scheduling, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, schedules events with the company and acts as the liaison for all White River EMS Inc. employees when needed. Since coming under Long’s leadership, the working relationship between White River EMS Inc. and the Newport Fire/Ambulance Department has continued to grow stronger when it comes to serving the community. “We are on the same team. We work to assist the other,” she shares. Long has also been instrumental in assisting with the extension of educational processes for her employees and other medical staff and enhancing and deepening community connections between White River EMS Inc. and the great residents of Jackson County.
Department work part-time (PRN) for White River EMS Inc. We do not look at each other as competitors but as partners in providing the best care for Jackson County.” The Team White River EMS Inc. employs 4 full-time and 6 part-time EMTs, a full-time Advanced EMT, and 4 fulltime and 6 part-time Paramedics. All of these employees are highly qualified medical professionals and these roles work together to deliver exceptional patient care through providing out-of-hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients. The ambulance service also has an office staff consisting of an office manager, a secretary and a general manager. All of these roles work together to take care of the daily back end functions that make White River EMS Inc. thrive. Why WREMS? In this day and age, it is becoming increasingly rare to find a company that truly puts the patient first. At White River EMS Inc., that is what their entire company is built upon. “We believe it is important to treat all patients as if they are your own loved one,” Long shares. “Each one of our employees has demonstrated their skills, as well as their devotion to helping others in need.” That is what it takes to be part of the team at WREMS and Long is certain that anyone who uses their ambulance service will feel the extra effort they put into making your experience as pleasant and personal as possible. N
The Service and the Promise White River EMS Inc. is a 24/7 emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport service located in Newport, Arkansas, serving the residents of Jackson County. They have 4 ambulances; maintaining 2 Paramedic Units and 2 Basic Units. Their services include ambulance transportation to and from the hospital. They are the only service in the county that transfers patients to a higher level of care, albeit at other hospitals or out of town facilities. “Newport Fire/ Ambulance Department serves as Newport’s primary 911 service and White River EMS Inc. backs them up as a secondary 911 assistance,” Long explains. “We work well together, maintaining the safety of our crews and community. In fact, several members of the Fire 38 Bald Knob . Batesville . Bradford . Cave City . Melbourne . Mnt. View . Newport . Newark . Southside . Sulphur Rock . Swifton . Sidney . Tuckerman
PROVIDING
Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
for all ages.
1117 McLain St., Ste. 300 | Newport (870) 495-1260
Unity-Health.org